Cheshire and Warrington LEP

PRIVATE SECTOR TO LEAD CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON’S NEW LEP

Christine Gaskell, Member of the Board of Bentley Motors in Crewe, has been named the first chair of the new Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

She was elected at the inaugural meeting of the board that includes senior figures recruited from both the private and public sectors.

The new private sector-led body has set a clear vision to drive economic growth across Cheshire and Warrington. The organisation will also champion bids to the £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund, set up by the Government to assist businesses and stimulate economic recovery across the country.

Christine, who has been a Member of the Board for Personnel of Crewe-based Bentley Motors since 1996, is responsible for some 3,500 employees worldwide. This includes all recruitment, training, development and change management, internal communications, security, occupational health and health and safety. She is also Chairman of the Trustees of the £550 million Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors Pension Fund, and is actively involved in the company's community-based programmes. She is an Ambassador for the Apprenticeship Network and also on the board of Business Link North West

Speaking after her appointment at the first LEP meeting, held at The Cottons Hotel, Knutsford, last weekend, she said: "I am very proud to be chosen as the inaugural Chair of this new organisation.

“Like all my fellow Board members, I have been heavily involved in the Cheshire and Warrington region for many years and know well the talent, enthusiasm and aspirations of those who live and work here.

“We have a very clear mission; create jobs. Every member of the Board will do their utmost to ensure every opportunity is taken to boost the local economy, creating high value employment which will improve the prosperity of the region."

The board will also play a vital role in building upon the success of the Cheshire economy ensuring businesses have the right skill base to grow. To deliver this growth, a Stakeholder Forum will be established to capture the skills and enthusiasm of a wide range of partners.

Other leading figures on the board include:
Howard Hopwood, Chairman of Harman Technology Ltd, who was elected vice-chairman.
Robert Davis, CEO of EA Technology.
Graham Ramsbottom, Managing Director of Grosvenor Estates.
Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council.
Mike Jones, Leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council.
Ian Marks, Leader of Warrington Borough Council.
Nigel Schofield, Managing Director of Northenden Travel Group.
Martin Ashcroft, Managing Director of Brunner Mond.
Pete Waterman, of Pete Waterman Entertainments Ltd.
Louise Morrissey, Director of Peel Holdings.
Alison Roylance, Chief Executive of Cheshire Community Action.
Timothy Wheeler, Vice Chancellor of Chester University.
Sara Mogel, Principal of West Cheshire College.

Christine Gaskell added: “We now have the strongest possible team in place which represents the diversity of the Regional economy. The skills, experience and passion of the new board will ensure we help create more employment, delivering significant economic growth to Cheshire and Warrington.”